God's Calling Rests on All Believers

The Apostle Paul told the church in Rome that God's calling rests on all believers in Christ: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified" (Rom. 8:28-30).

All believers are referred to as "the called" (v. 28b) and are given a special promise—God will turn "all things" (v. 28a) into good "according to His purpose" (v. 28b). Though verse 28 is about God working out His purpose in our lives, one main thought is that all believers are "the called." (v. 28b). God "foreknew" (v. 29a) and "predestined" (v. 29a) all who are born again "to be conformed to the image of His Son" (v. 29a), or to become like Jesus. We are all then "called" (v. 30a) and "justified" (v. 30b) and "glorified" (v. 30c).

The Greek word "called" (vv. 28b, 30a) means to be invited or summoned. God calls those who are the elect out of their slavery to sin and summons them to a new life in Christ. God calls His elect out of the darkness of a sinful world and into the light of His blessing. He calls us out of the world to save us and make us holy. He calls us to bring us into a loving, serving relationship with Himself.

We can see from this, that all who trust in Christ for salvation have the call of God on their life. Every believer is called by God so that he might enjoy all the benefits of redemption. Every believer is called to be saved. Every believer is called to be "conformed to the image" of the Savior, Jesus Christ (v. 29a). Every believer is called to fellowship with Him in heaven forever. Amen.